Chapter Two

After Song Bai went out, he took a long detour before finally getting a takeout of octopus balls. He really loves to eat these snacks, but usually, Lu Fucheng doesn't let him buy them because they are not healthy.

When he was a child, Song Bai loved to eat and was much more bold than he is now. One of his most vivid memories is when he was five or six years old and went to eat at the home of Lu Fucheng during a festival where they were having a hot pot. Song Bai saw a semi-transparent purple alcohol cube and immediately grabbed it, putting it in his mouth. Lu's uncle laughed and said to Lu Fucheng, Ah Bai has such a heavy curiosity that you should never take him to a sulfuric acid plant in the future. God forbid little Bai sees the sulfuric acid bubbling up and wants to taste it. This joke has continued until now, and every time Song Bai returns home during holidays, he is teased by his elders.

Song Bai was biting on a small dumpling, and suddenly felt a little homesick.

Lufucheng is usually busiest in September and October, and many people like to renovate their houses during this time. But after this period, there may be some free time. Song Bai wants to make sure to go home before New Year's Day this year. He plans to stay for an extra month and then find a reason to leave early, so that he can book a discounted plane ticket with Lufucheng and go to Dali for a few days of vacation.

Today, there were unusually few people in the bookstore. Song Bai picked up a few novels and cookbooks, but didn't really feel like browsing.

The cashier girl had become quite familiar with him. When he checked out, she smiled and asked, 'Why haven't you gone out to play during the holiday?'

Song Bai made a quick pouting expression with his lips. As he looked rather young, he looked especially cute making such a charming expression. 'No one is willing to go out with me, and I'm beginning to feel very depressed.'

But you're even better than me. At least you can take a break and rotate your shift. It's my turn today, but I don't even feel like going to work.

Song Baixiao smiled and waved to his little sister as he picked up his book and walked out: 'Take care, see you next time! I'll bring you a small cake next time!'

When Song Bai has nothing to do at home, he likes to practice making desserts. He can't eat too much by himself, and Lu Fucheng is not a person who loves sweets. So Song Bai gives the rest of the desserts to his friends.

He was feeling bored and didn't want to go home immediately. While wandering aimlessly on the street, he received a call. It was from their manager.

Xiaosong, do you have time to gather for a meal tonight? We've finished closing up the shop today, and all the colleagues who worked overtime want to go out and have a good meal. I noticed that you haven't posted any updates on your social media about going out, so I thought I'd give you a call and see if you're interested. Their manager is a straightforward person from Shenyang named Li Yang who always wants to connect with Xiaobai as fellow natives.

Although President Song Bai pretended to look disgusted by his rustic taste, when the two of them chatted they quickly slipped into their own Northeastern accent. Their earthy understanding was complete and they easily livened up the atmosphere.

Let's go, oh by the way, eating and drinking on public funds, right?

I'm not going to the split-the-bill thing either, Li Yang laughed. There's a seafood buffet near Huangpi Station. I'll send you the location on WeChat later. Our boss is being unusually generous this time, it's 428 yuan per person.

Note: split-the-bill thing refers to the practice of dividing the cost equally among a group of people, often used in casual outings in China.

Wow, is it true? asked Song Bai. Then I must get it. I'll call a taxi right away! Bye.

After hanging up the phone, he sent a WeChat message to Lu Fucheng saying, Chengcheng, I'm going out to dinner with another man tonight.

Lufucheng's phone may be right next to him, as he quickly read the message. Without even asking a question, he immediately transferred one thousand yuan to Song Bai.

What are you doing?

Remember to go Dutch* when eating out with others, quickly replied Lu Fucheng.

(*Note: AA in Chinese culture refers to splitting the bill evenly among everyone at the table, also known as going Dutch.)

After taking the money, Song Bai suddenly realized, Hey, Cheng Cheng, are you secretly hoarding money behind my back?

Lufucheng hasn't returned for a long time. Li Yang happened to send an address, and Song Bai took a look. It's only a little over ten kilometers by taxi.

After he got on the car, Lu Fucheng finally replied with a voice message.

Just now a client called me back late. The money I sent you is the festival allowance given by the boss today. Have fun when you go out. The money was all saved for you.

Song Bai couldn't control the corners of his mouth from curling up, and his eyes formed a crescent shape.

He plugged in his earphones and played a song. Song Bai glanced at the time and wondered how much longer Cheng Cheng could hold back before asking again.

After more than twenty minutes, until the moment when Song Bai got off the car, as expected, Lu Fucheng sent another WeChat message.

What's for dinner? With whom?

Song Baixiao typed out a string of words with a smile: 'Are you busy right now? If not, can you sing me a song first? Once I'm happy, I'll tell you what I want to say.'

Lu Fucheng can't keep up with the current trend of music, as he is too focused on his work to have the heart to sing. He only hummed a familiar tune to Song Bai softly, giving her a feeling of indescribable tenderness. Song Bai kept listening to it repeatedly while typing with her head down.

He was too immersed and thought there was no problem walking on the sidewalk. Suddenly, he felt like he had bumped into someone.

He quickly put away his phone and looked down. He had collided with a six or seven-year-old girl who was exquisitely beautiful. She had a Western style with two ponytails and big round eyes. She was wearing a watermelon red dress.

But now that red dress got dirty from the ice cream that she didn't hold steady in her hand.

Sorry, little sister, big brother didn't pay attention to the road. Song Bai casually threw down the bag of books he was carrying, and hurriedly squatted down to take out a tissue to wipe away the stains on her clothes. Are your family members nearby?

Ji Sui'an? A deep male voice came over, very magnetic. His voice was not loud, but had strong penetrating power. The sense of presence entered Song Bai's ears strongly: What's going on?

Sòng Bái lifted his head in panic and saw a man walking towards him. Due to the angle, the man's legs looked even longer and more slender.

Sorry, it was my fault for not looking where I was going and accidentally colliding with your daughter. I take full responsibility for any damages caused, said Song Bai, quickly getting up from his seat. The man he collided with was over a head taller than him, which added to the pressure that Song Bai was feeling. Perhaps it was his aura, as the man was dressed simply in a shirt and trousers, yet exuded an unapproachable presence that seemed beyond reach.

Song Bai unexpectedly had the leisure to space out, that man is really too good-looking. His features are defined, with a straight and tall nose bridge and exquisite bone structure. He is extremely stunning and pleasing to the eye. His regal temperament was both unattainable and made it difficult for people to look away.

It's just that his temperament is much fiercer than that of Lu Fucheng.

Are you alright, Ji Sui'an? Ji Suiyun ignored Song Bai and just asked the young girl.

It's okay, just the ice cream dropped, the little girl was very responsible, not at all like other children who were wilful and noisy, she seemed to have received good family education.

I won't eat anymore. Jì Suíyún said calmly. He picked up the bag that Sòng Bái had used to carry books and handed it over, showing a considerate and courteous demeanor: It's okay, but you should be more careful in the future.

Song Bai awkwardly reached out to receive it, his face burning with embarrassment. Although the other party didn't say anything harsh, he felt like he had just been scolded by the homeroom teacher.

Ji Suiyun couldn't help but take a closer look at him.